Cessna 182 vs Cirrus SR22
The Cessna 182 Skylane and the Cirrus SR22 are both four-seat cross-country singles, but they represent two different eras. The high-wing 182 is a rugged, load-hauling, fixed-gear classic that flies into rough strips and carries a real family with bags. The SR22 is faster and more modern — composite airframe, glass panel, side-yoke, and a CAPS parachute — built for covering distance quickly. The 182 generally costs less to buy and run; the SR22 trades that for speed and technology.
Key specifications, side by side
| Cessna 182 | Cirrus SR22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4–5 |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-540 (182T) | Continental IO-550-N |
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 310 hp |
| Cruise speed | ~145 kt | ~183 kt |
| Range | ~930 nm | ~1,000 nm |
| Useful load | ~1,100 lb | ~1,300 lb |
| Fuel (usable) | 87 gal | 92 gal |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle | — |
| Safety | — | CAPS whole-airframe parachute |
Representative figures for a popular variant of each family — exact specs vary by model year, engine, and avionics configuration.
What's different about the Cessna 182
- The 172's bigger sibling: more horsepower and a constant-speed prop deliver real four-seats-with-bags useful load.
- Carries four adults, full fuel, and baggage — a genuine family hauler rather than a two-plus-light-bags compromise.
- Nose-heavy on landing and thirstier to operate; rewards trim discipline with stable, capable IFR cross-country manners.
What's different about the Cirrus SR22
- The CAPS whole-airframe parachute is the headline safety feature and a major insurance and resale talking point.
- 310 hp and ~183 kt cruise make it one of the fastest fixed-gear pistons — a serious cross-country machine.
- Side-yoke, glass panel, and a premium cabin feel closer to a modern car than a legacy GA aircraft, at a premium price.
Cessna 182 vs Cirrus SR22 — frequently asked questions
Quick answers for buyers and prospective co-owners.
Is the Cirrus SR22 faster than a Cessna 182?
Yes, noticeably. The SR22’s 310 hp gives ~183 kt cruise versus about 145 kt for the 230 hp Cessna 182. The 182 trades speed for rugged load-hauling ability and a lower price to buy and run.
Which is cheaper to own, a 182 or an SR22?
The 182, generally. Its fixed gear and simpler systems keep operating and maintenance costs below the SR22, which adds glass-panel upkeep and the CAPS parachute repack. The SR22’s premium buys speed and modern technology.
Which is the better family cross-country airplane?
Both seat four comfortably. Choose the 182 for rugged short- and rough-field capability, big useful load, and lower cost; choose the SR22 for speed, a glass panel, and the CAPS parachute on longer trips.